Council adopts updated vacancy appointment procedures, allows certified elects to participate in questioning

The Highland City Council adopted updated procedures for filling the council seat vacated by Britney Bills’ election as mayor, clarifying the application, questioning, nomination and voting process.

Staff described the process: candidates submit a conflict‑of‑interest disclosure and give two‑minute introductions; each council member (and the mayor) may ask one question per candidate in the initial round; council may nominate up to two candidates for additional consideration; a final secret ballot occurs with a simple‑majority appointment. Staff noted state law prohibits voting for oneself and allows the council to adopt procedures to ensure transparency when a sitting council member seeks appointment.

Council considered additional changes proposed by a councilmember: (1) allow certified mayor‑elect and certified council‑elect to participate in questioning and nominations, (2) permit a discussion period after questions and before the vote, and (3) eliminate secret ballots for the final appointment. After amendment votes, the council adopted the staff resolution with the first proposed change included (allowing certified elects to participate in questioning) and declined to adopt elimination of secret ballots; the council also added a possible limited discussion period (the council voted against automatically adopting a broad discussion requirement but retained flexibility). The amended staff resolution passed by vote (recorded in the meeting).